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The AAS Taskforce on Diversity and Inclusion in Astronomy Graduate Education is holding a special session at the Denver AAS, Monday, June 4th from 10:40 am to 12:10 pm in Governor's Square 16, to provide an opportunity for discussion and input by the larger community. The task force is charged to develop a set of recommendations by the end of 2018 for endorsement by the AAS Board of Trustees, and that could be adopted by departments to advance the efficacy of admissions, mentoring, and retention practices. A more detailed statement can be found in the link below.

"The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, asked a judge on 11 May to dismiss portions of three gender-discrimination lawsuits filed by senior female scientists there in July 2017. To prove their cases, the plaintiffs are seeking to compel the Salk — a private research institution — to disclose information about how funds and laboratory space are allocated, as well as about complaints concerning sexual harassment and the unfair treatment of women."

Back to top.4. How Scientific Publishers Can End Bullying And Harassment In The SciencesFrom: Heather Flewelling [heather_at_ifa.hawaii.edu]

By Ethan Siegel

"When it comes to exploring the Universe, many young people get literally starry-eyed at the prospect. The cosmic story of what the Universe is, how it works, where it came from, what its fate is, and how it got to be this way, is a story we all have in common. Millions of children grow up wanting to be scientists; millions still pursue this dream in college and beyond. While some choose other fields or avenues for a variety of reasons, a great many people — particularly women and people of color — leave the field directly due to bullying and harassment. Enduring abuse shouldn't be a required skill for a successful scientific career, and many people and organizations are working tirelessly to root out this systemic injustice."

Back to top.5. A New Report Uses Data To Drive Diversity In STEM FieldsFrom: Heather Flewelling [heather_at_ifa.hawaii.edu]

By Amy Blankson

"Corporate boardrooms in the worlds of finance and law have made strides in recent years in terms of opening their doors to women and people of color. Yet, as we have seen recently in the news, Silicon Valley and other STEM-related fields like biotechnology remain largely boy’s clubs."

Back to top.6. Nature Research Awards for Inspiring Science and Innovating ScienceFrom: Heather Flewelling [heather_at_ifa.hawaii.edu]

"Nature Research is proud and excited to announce our inaugural Inspiring Science Award and Innovating Science Award, in partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies.

Nature Research has always strived to support gender equity and to showcase the work of female researchers. The aim of the two new Nature Research Awards, in partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies, is to celebrate and support the achievements of leading women in science and of those who have encouraged girls and young women to engage with STEM subjects around the world."